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It’s that time of year again! Girl Scouts are pushing their delicious cookie assortment of Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils, Do si Dos and Trios! Before your favorite cookies end up in your hands, did you ever think how the Girl Scouts have their cookies stored and delivered to them?

The moving & storage industry helps local Girl Scouts all over the country store and deliver the cookies. For Bekins Van Lines, two agents helped out their local girl scouts by storing and delivering cookies in their area.

Brandon Moving & Storage – North Little Rock, Ark.

Brandon Moving & Storage stored and delivered girl scout cookies for around 39 troops in the central Arkansas area. They stored approximately 57,000 cases of cookies, which is around 430,000-435,000 lbs.!

Brandon Moving & Storage dedicated two office staff members for bookkeeping. The bookkeepers were responsible for counting all of the cases as they were received and documented which ones were damaged. They then entered specific orders into the system from the troops and invoiced the Girl Scouts for payment once all deliveries are complete.

In addition to the office staff, 6-8 people in the warehouse were tasked to unload the cookies as they all came in. They had to pull the cookies off in a specific order and load the trucks for delivery. Brandon also had 4-6 truck drivers make deliveries with 1-4 helpers, depending on the size of the orders and whether the cookies have to be unloaded by hand or if the receiving location had a fork lift on site.

Bekins Moving Solutions, Inc. – Tucson and Phoenix, Ariz.

Bekins Moving Solutions’ two facilities in Tucson and Phoenix, Ariz. covered the cookie deliveries for Girl Scout troops all over the state.

All of the cookies were received and stored at both facilities and then loaded for designated distribution locations.

At the Phoenix location, they handled approximately 152,000 cases and 1,824,000 boxes shipped throughout central and northern Arizona. Bekins Moving Solutions delivered to 22 out-lying distribution locations and five major locations, which were schools, around the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The Tucson facility held approximately 62,000 cases and 744,000 boxes shipped to southern areas of the state. Bekins Moving Solutions then delivered to 20 out-lying area locations and two major areas in Tucson. The largest major distribution location was at the Bekins Moving Solutions Tucson facility.

Once the cookies were taken to the designated distribution areas, the individual troops came and picked up the product.

Bekins Moving Solutions sent 2-6 crew members to the locations and had around a hundred individual vehicles to load all of the product. The Girl Scouts used numerous volunteers to assist in the distribution at all of the locations.

Director of Operations of the Girl Scouts of Arizona, Colleen Brinkley said “We appreciate the Bekins staff so much, they are AWESOME, every year!”

Special thank you to the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona for pictures of their cookie drop event.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Bekins Van lines! Since we are feeling the love today, we are looking at what makes Bekins Van Lines a preferred interstate van line. Receiving feedback via our survey, the Customer Experience Report (CXR), speaking to customers on a daily basis and analyzing the journeys our customers make during every step of the move process reveals to us what customers believe sets us apart from our competition.

Customers

Beginning in 1891, Bekins has moved plenty of people and with that type of long-history, many of them are returning customers or have been recommended to the van line. In fact, four in ten customers pick Bekins because they have used us before and had a positive experience, or they have been recommended by someone they know and trust to hire Bekins for their move. This is our largest segment of customers and this percentage has increased significantly over the last several years, so our customer loyalty is ever growing.

Karen, a recent customer said in their CXR, “Very pleased, as always, with Bekins. The driver told us of delivery date upon pick up of our goods. He and his helper were very professional! I hope this is the last move, but if not will call Bekins again”

Rudy and Carolyn, more recent customers said, “Ford transfer moved us locally 2-3 times in or near Twin Falls, Idaho. They’re great!”

Happy customer after her move with Brandon Moving & Storage.

“I had used Bekins for a business move a few years ago and was very satisfied, so I used them for my personal move this time from California to Nevada. Our sales representative, Jennifer, in the Burlingame, California location (AMS Bekins) was very helpful, very friendly and very accommodating. Our driver, Eric, was unbelievably excellent in every way. He was courteous, on time and provided a very enjoyable moving experience. I would highly recommend Eric for training your drivers as he is definitely the ultimate example of customer service. I have been in customer service for 29 years so I know what I am speaking about. I will always recommend Bekins to anyone I know is moving,” said Lynne in Dayton, Nev.

Drivers

Our drivers are the heart and soul of every move. Not only do drivers spend weeks driving around the country with household goods, they also help coordinate the helpers and communicate with the corporate office about scheduling.

Customers consistently rate our drivers with high marks. More than nine in ten customers indicate in their survey that they would choose to have their exact same Bekins driver move them again for their next move!

“My driver, Alex, was absolutely fabulous. He was on time in both places, as promised, took great care to let me know what was happening, was very reassuring at all times, personable, respectful, supervised the movers well, and didn’t hesitate to do things himself if he felt it was necessary,” Karen from Massachusetts said.

Barbara was very complimentary of her driver, “John was our mover and we could not have asked for anything better. He was simply great.”

Salespeople

One of the first interactions the consumer has with the van line is through our salespeople. Our salespeople are known for their expertise and professionalism in moving. This is another leverageable strength of Bekins. Approximately nine in ten customers have very favorable perceptions of our salespeople’s courtesy and professional service. This service promotes trust and confidence in our customers that Bekins can reliably and effectively handle their moves.

“In addition to the actual movers, Val Hardwick (sales mgr. AMS Relocation) and her staff were thorough, professional, on top of her game and a pleasure to work with. In this crazy world where so much doesn’t work, Bekins is doing it right with integrity. Thank you!” said Pix in her recent CXR.

Communication

The Lincoln Moving & Storage loves Bekins customers!

Customer feedback and statistical analysis of our survey data reveal communication is biggest driver in shaping customer perceptions of Bekins. Communication and great customer service makes the difference between a good move and a great move. Since proactive and accurate information is so important to our customers, we are constantly reviewing our processes to improve our communication with them.

Future

Our goal is to exceed expectations with every move. With that goal in mind, we are constantly reviewing the customer experience through the CXR and other feedback mechanisms platforms for ways to improve the process and make it as stress-free as possible.

As 2014 draws to a close, Bekins Van Lines will reflect on another great year and the great people that shared it with us. Check out some of the highlights from 2014.

We Moved People…

Bekins Van Lines continued to do what it does best – move people. With 123 years of moving experience under its belt, Bekins continues leading the industry in relocation services. Bekins helped thousands transition seamlessly throughout the country and will continue to do so in 2015.

We said hello…

There were 33 smiling faces that joined the Bekins corporate team throughout the year.

Bekins continued to feed the hungry in conjunction with Move for Hunger. Wheaton agents offered to pick up the unwanted, non-perishable food items from those who are moving and delivering it to their local food banks. As of Dec. 15, agents have collected 45,274 lbs. of food – that’s 37,728 meals!

Bekins Van Lines also continued to support Keaton’s Korral at Give Kids the World. Keaton’s Korral has had 7,300 families each year have been able to experience the fun of horse and pony rides, as they don western hats and get to live out their cowboy dreams.

For Giving Tuesday on December 2nd, Bekins announced it will match ALL donations to Keaton’s Korral through January 31st. We are over half way to the goal of $22,000! Please consider contributing to this amazing cause at www.gktw.org/keatonskorral.

Employees of Bekins delivered donations to the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana for Santa’s Workshop. Santa’s Workshop allowed parents and siblings staying at the Ronald McDonald House to shop for gifts at no cost during the holiday season.

The corporate office collected more than 430 items from employees in drop boxes from early November through mid-December. Items included everything from pajamas, slippers and personal care items to toys, books and puzzles. From cash donations, Bekins also donated a selection of gift cards. The team that delivered the donations were treated to a tour of Ronald McDonald House – check out the photos from the tour.

We Learned…

In the first half of the year Bekins hosted its annual sales boot camp at the corporate office in Indianapolis and regional meetings in Atlantic City, N.J., Indianapolis, Ind. and Las Vegas, Nev.

The 60th annual partnership conference at the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale, Ariz. on Nov. 5-8. The four-day conference featured eight educational sessions, awards, keynote speaker Dan Coughlin and fun activities. Check out the photos from the conference.

Employees of Bekins Van Lines collected and delivered more the 430 items to the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana on Thursday.

The collection took place at the corporate office in Indianapolis mid-November to December to be used for the Santa’s Workshop, which will allow parents and siblings staying at the Ronald McDonald House shop for gifts at no cost during the holiday season. Items included everything from pajamas, slippers and personal care items to toys, books and puzzles. From cash donations, Bekins also donated a selection of gift cards.

Representatives from Bekins were given a tour of the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana that serves 58 families around the world while their children receive life-saving treatment at Indianapolis hospitals. Below are pictures from the tour.

All four of the retirees brought something different to the table and will be missed greatly throughout the organization.

Diane Schueller, Staff Accountant – Diane has worked with the company since 1991 when she moved from Dallas, Texas. She is known as the number cruncher extraordinaire and is precise and detail-oriented with a wealth of industry knowledge.

Famous Quote “It’s six of one, half a dozen of another.”

Sam Napier, Warehouseman – Sam has been a warehouseman for Crown Moving & Storage for 32 years. He is known for always smiling and his calm demeanor. Sam is dependable and always a go-to for advice.

Famous Quote “You trying to kill me?”

Dave Rhodes, Equipment coordinator – Has been with the company since 2000. He has had varied background in the moving industry that stems for over 50 years. He watches over the fleet and the needs of drivers with great precision and detail. When you see a Bekins trailer on the road, Dave is the reason it looks so good.

Famous Quote “It is what it is!”

Gary Reynolds, VP of Operations and Safety – Gary has been with the company for 13 years. The operations department has “hummed along like a well-oiled machine” under his leadership. He is known for his wicked sense of humor. He has worn many hats in the industry, but we are grateful his last one was with Bekins.

Famous Quote “No good deed goes unpunished.”

Diane, Sam, Dave and Gary will all be greatly missed. Thank you for many years of service, loyalty and dedication.

Need some Thanksgiving menu inspiration? Bekins Van Lines can help! Last Wednesday, the Bekins Van Lines corporate office held its annual Thanksgiving luncheon with MCL Bakery providing the turkey, ham and mashed potatoes. The Bekins staff provided the side dishes and desserts, proving they are not only experts in moving, but can cook too! Here are some of the favorite recipes from the luncheon to help with your Thanksgiving menu:

1) Boil eggs, peel and slice length wise removing the yolks
2) Place yolks and Thai curry paste, ketchup, paprika, spicy mustard and Siracha in a small bowl and mash until smooth
3) Mound the yolk mixture in the egg whites and smooth the surface 4) Use a toothpick to draw lines for the pumpkin look
5) Sprinkle with paprika, if desired
6) Cut the green part of the onion to make the pumpkin look

Sides

Shari’s Husband’s Haluski Recipe

Package of egg noodles (use half of a package if you like more cabbage in your recipe)
Whole head of cabbage
Kielbasa (optional)
1 stick of butter, margarine or olive oil
Chopped onions
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder

1) Cook any brand of egg noodles per package instructions and drain before adding to cooked cabbage. You can use a 1/2 bag of noodles depending on whether you enjoy more cabbage than noodles.
2) Cut head of cabbage in half and remove stem core. Cut into 3 pieces and then cut those pieces into 3 pieces to give you a nice bite-size piece. Repeat on second half of head.
3) Sauté some chopped onions (you can add a little butter to these)
3) Melt 1 stick of butter, margarine or olive oil (your preference) to non-stick dutch oven or pot. Add the sautéed onions to the dutch oven or pot.
4) Add cut cabbage. Generously add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Cover with lid, cook on medium heat. The cabbage will cook down releasing its moisture. Stir occasionally until it becomes soft. A little brownish tint isn’t a bad thing. During this stage you can also add cut-up kielbasa sausage.
5) Drain noodles. Add to pan. Lightly mix in to the cabbage. Cover and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes to enable all ingredients to meld with the noodles.
6) Serve and enjoy.

1) Preheat oven 350 degrees
2) Mix sweet potatoes, brown sugar and salted butter with a mixer until it is whipped and smooth
3) Top with mini marshmallows and chopped pecans
4) Bake for 30 minutes or until the marshmallows are slightly browned and melted

1) Preheat oven to 350
2) Reserve 1 cup of cake mix and set aside
3) Mix remaining cake with a 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1 egg. Press mixture lightly into the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish
4) Mix one jar of pumpkin pecan butter with remaining two eggs and milk and pour over cake mixture in pan
5) Mix remaining 1 cup cake mix with flour, sugar, remaining 1/4 cup butter, and cinnamon, and crumble of the top of the pumpkin layer
6) Bake 35-40 minutes, or until golden
7) Cool to room temperature and serve.

This year’s 60th Annual Wheaton World Wide Moving | Bekins Van Lines Partnership Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. was a great success by all accounts. Thank you to the attendees, sponsors and exhibitors. Please enjoy some pictures from the conference below.

Scottsdale averages 330 days of sun and a temperature of 75 degrees. (According to weather.com there will be a 0% chance rain and in the 80’s on Wed-Sat).

Popular points of Interest are: Native American and Environmental Learning Center, Hear Mussum, Desert Botanical Garden and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West.
There are 200 golf courses are located in the city and the surrounding areas.

The Sonoran Desert, located in and around Scottsdale, is the hottest desert in North

Sonora Desert

America.

The most popular natural landmarks are Tonto National Forest, McDowell Mountains, Camelback Mountain, Sonoran Desert and Pinnacle Peak Park

There are more than 100 art galleries and museums.

Scottsdale boasts the highest number of destination spas per capita than any city in the US.

The New York Times described downtown Scottsdale as “a desert version of Miami’s South Beach” and as having “plenty of late night partying and a buzzing hotel scene.”

Scottsdale is home to many high-end corporate retail outlets and independent boutiques.

The Scottsdale Fashion Square is nearly 2 million square feet.

The slogan of Scottsdale is “The West’s Most Western Town”.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa has a 2.5-acre water playground with 10 swimming pools, sand beach, three story water slide, whirlpool spa and two poolside bars. They also have Spa Avania, jogging paths and bicycle trails.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch

With over 600 restaurants, Scottsdale has a wide array of different food options and styles to try. Below are the best restaurants according to both Trip Advisor and Yelp.

If you are attending conference, please make sure to tag #Thrive2014 when posting photos on social media.

Even if you are not attending, stay up to date on conference happenings with the Wheaton Facebook and Twitter pages for updates throughout the conference, including the announcements of Agent and Drivers of the Year on Thursday.

Since 1891, Bekins Van Lines has been an expert in the household goods moving industry. This didn’t happen overnight, with the help of many agents and support staff, especially drivers, Bekins is highly recommended among its customers.

It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (Sept. 14-20) and here at Bekins Van Lines, we are taking the time to show our appreciation to the people that are dedicated to delivering successful household moves.

As part of showing our appreciation, we would like you to participate! It’s easy and you could win $100 in the process! Follow the instructions below:

1) Print the attached signs on this email and choose one of the two, if choosing the second, write your driver’s name on the line.

2) Take a picture of you holding the sign.

3) Post the picture on our Facebook, Twitter or Google+ pages using the hashtags “#driveBekinsloyalty” and “#NTDAW” – You may also email your photos to bekinsmarketing@wvlcorp.com.

4) You will be automatically entered to win a $100 Visa gift card upon posting or email of your photo.

Join us between now and Sept. 27 (when the contest ends) in thanking all our professional male and female drivers for making your move successful and keeping our highways safe.